De Jager guilty of teen’s murder

Cape Town-140303-Cape High Court-Ruyterwacht mechanic Johannes de Jager, on trial for Prostitute Hiltina Alexander who's body was found lying face up, covered by leafy branches, in a secluded area near the Frankdale informal settlement and also the murder of Charmaine Mare, 16, in Kraaifontein this year-Reporter-Jade Otto-Photographer-Tracey Adams

Cape Town-140303-Cape High Court-Ruyterwacht mechanic Johannes de Jager, on trial for Prostitute Hiltina Alexander who's body was found lying face up, covered by leafy branches, in a secluded area near the Frankdale informal settlement and also the murder of Charmaine Mare, 16, in Kraaifontein this year-Reporter-Jade Otto-Photographer-Tracey Adams

Published Apr 29, 2014

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Cape Town - Johannes Christiaan de Jager killed Mpumalanga teenager Charmaine Mare while she was living with him in Cape Town, the Western Cape High Court found on Tuesday.

“The evidence tendered clearly indicates that the deceased could not have died in the manner described by the accused,” Acting Judge Chuma Cossie said in handing down judgment.

“The court is satisfied that the State succeeded in proving guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt, in the case of murder.”

De Jager, 49, scowled at the judge's words and pursed his lips.

Cossie said the way in which De Jager had burned the 16-year-old's corpse last January indicated there was a deliberate attempt to conceal the evidence.

“The explanation that was given to the court as to why he set the body alight was that he wanted to get rid of the body.

“That is very gruesome to say the least, for a person who had no intention to kill anyone.” Cossie accepted De Jager's guilty plea with regards to dismembering her arms and legs and a lesser charge of stealing her cellphone.

Sentencing proceedings were provisionally set down for May 5, to determine the availability of defence counsel.

De Jager was earlier in the day also convicted of raping and strangling to death Cape Town prostitute Hiltina Alexander.

Sapa

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